RFU back John Steele’s review

The Rugby Football Union (RFU) Board of Directors met today to review the recommendations of John Steele, its new Chief Executive, for changes to the organisation in preparation for the Rugby World Cup in 2015. The recommendations, made after a comprehensive and exhaustive review of the business, were unanimously approved.

Martyn Thomas, Chairman of the Board, commented, “John has absolutely vindicated our decision to appoint him as CEO. The new approach shows a real appreciation of how rugby works and will ensure that as a Union we are focussed on rugby issues as we build towards 2015. John has our total support.”

John Steele, CEO of the RFU, added, “I am delighted that the board unanimously accepted my recommendations for change. We have a hugely exciting five years ahead of us and I want to make sure we are in the best possible shape to the seize the opportunity a home World Cup gives us to grow and develop the game from the grassroots to the elite level.

“The changes we agreed will deliver a simpler management structure with clearer leadership and are changes that are right for rugby and right for the RFU. We will announce these in more detail tomorrow but until then our first priority is to talk staff through the recommendations and the next steps.”

The RFU will make further statements on Thursday 6th January about the outcome of the review.